GB Olympian Moore back in bobsleigh after Jamaica switch

Moore’s grandfather, Venson Byfield, came to the UK in the Windrush generation.

The family settled just outside of Newport in south Wales. But Jamaica was never far from their hearts, as they even installed a Jamaican-themed bar in the garden.

Moore started out in athletics and went to the 2014 Commonwealth Games with Wales.

When she switched to bobsleigh, reference began to the 1993 comedy film Cool Runnings, based on the Jamaica men who competed at the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Those references are ramping up again for Moore, who says she is happy to hear them as they only highlights the history of the nation in the sport.

After finally receiving official confirmation of her switch on 31 December, 2024 Moore had to move fast. Races were planned and travel was booked.

Just over two weeks on and Moore is ready to hit the ice again in a Europe Cup event in Lillehammer, after a three-year absence from racing.

It is early days yet, but she cannot pretend she has not thought about next year’s Winter Olympics.

“The fire inside me is very much lit,” Moore said. “That’s just the athlete I’ve always been.

“I want to show what I’m able to achieve not just for myself but also for my nation. A crazy goal is to get Jamaica their best result [at an Olympics]. But you’re got to get there first.

“You’ve got to tick all the boxes and make sure your seat’s on that plane.”